Twin blasts in Assam; 6 killed, 54 injured

Last updated on: November 22, 2009 14:23 IST

Six people were on Sunday killed and 54 others injured, including 34 seriously, in the two blasts suspected to have been triggered by ULFA near a police station in Nalbari, five days ahead of the banned militant outfit's Raising Day.

A high alert has been sounded across Assam after the blasts and patrolling intensified in the affected area.

Nalbari police Superintendent Jitmol Doley said the bombs were planted in bicycles placed at a distance of 50 m from each other and went off in a gap of few minutes. Rumours of a third blast in the town were discounted by the police.

Four persons-- Pawan Thakur from Bihar and local residents Ganesh Das, Dipu Das and Keshab Das -- were killed on the spot, while two others -- Mohammad Ali, a village headman and Secunder Ali -- died on way to hospital, he said.

Vehicles parked in the area were damaged due to the impact of the blasts. Following the blasts, people came out of their homes in protest and shouted slogans against the ULFA.

The police immediately cordoned off the entire busy area, which has a number of shops, and began a thorough check of the town.

Fearing more blasts, the district administration made announcements over the public address system asking the people to stay indoors.

A total 34 critically injured have been rushed to Guwahati Medical College and Hospital and the rest to Nalbari Civil Hospital, Doley said.

Security was tightened in both Lower and Upper Assam districts following intelligence reports that a group of ULFA militants have entered the state to carry out subversive activities, official sources said.

According to the intelligence reports, 9 ULFA militants belonging to the banned outfit's 709 and 27 battalions have entered the state to carry out their nefarious designs.

In capital Guwahati, security was intensified and vehicles were being checked at sensitive and entry and exit points, they said.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who is in Delhi, condemned the blasts and condoled the death of the innocent people.